Russia could soon face nuclear weapons stationed on its doorstep after a NATO ally amended its rules governing weapons of mass destruction.

Finnish lawmakers on Wednesday, June 17, voted to scrap the country’s long-standing ban on nuclear weapons, paving the way for the import, transport, supply and possession of nuclear arms on its territory when deemed necessary.

The Finnish government has stated the country has no current plans to host nuclear weapons.

Finland abandoned its policy of military neutrality following Russian President Vladimir Putin‘s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

The decision to permit nuclear weapons represents a significant shift in Helsinki’s security posture as it seeks to deepen ties with its NATO allies in the face of Russian aggression.

Finland shares an 810-mile frontier with Russia and the decision to allow nuclear weapons has rattled the Russian leader.

Putin has alleged that Finland intended to seize part of Russia, according to Nexta TV.

“What did Finland join NATO for? Did we have any territorial disputes with Finland? No! Everything had long been settled,” Putin reportedly said.

“Why did they join NATO then? In the hope that everything here would collapse, and they’d swoop in and grab what they could.”

“They’re already building a border along the Sestra River.”

The legislative change was crafted as a deterrent amid an uncertain security landscape, the Finnish government has stated.

“With this proposal, we are strengthening Finland’s defence and enabling the full use of Nato’s nuclear deterrent as protection for Finland,” Antti Hakkanen, the Finnish defence minister, said on X.

Just days before, Putin’s military expansion along Russia’s frontiers with NATO nations was exposed.

Satellite imagery released by Denmark’s national broadcaster reveals new barracks, storage facilities and army vehicles being built over the previous two years.

Reports suggest the Murmansk region, close to Finland and Norway, could now accommodate 17,000 additional troops within striking distance of neighbouring countries, while another location near the Estonian frontier has accumulated substantial numbers of military vehicles.

Russia has dismissed any intentions to attack NATO members.

Former intelligence officer Philip Ingram suggested the expansion forms part of a strategic long-term plan by the Kremlin.

“The preparation of these bases is to do two things,” Ingram said.

“Firstly, to respond to the expansion of NATO by suggesting a real capability to threaten NATO’s borders over a very long front.”

“Secondly, to set the condition that, if Putin gets to a point where the Ukraine war is finished, he can rapidly rearm and deploy to actually threaten NATO’s borders.”

“This is preparation for a second Cold War.”